By Sunday Elijah
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) says it is continuing an internal review of long-standing detention cases, with the latest exercise leading to the release of a Kaduna State herder who was found to have no links to terrorism after spending more than a year in custody.
The release of Nura Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, forms part of what security sources described as a broader effort by the intelligence agency to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases while balancing national security concerns with the protection of citizens’ rights.
Following the review, the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, approved Idris’ immediate release after investigators reportedly found no evidence connecting him to Boko Haram. The agency also awarded him N3 million in financial assistance to support his reintegration and pledged further help to enable him to rebuild his livestock business.
Idris was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 by another security agency over alleged terrorist links before being transferred to the DSS for further investigation.
Speaking after regaining his freedom, Idris expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership.
“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated while in DSS custody, and I pray that Allah rewards him abundantly,” he was quoted as saying by security sources.
His father, Yusuf Idris, also welcomed the decision, describing the financial support as timely and saying it would help his son restart his livelihood.
According to the sources, the review programme extends beyond releasing detainees found to have been wrongfully held. Beneficiaries are also offered medical and psychological support, while some receive financial assistance or business support to facilitate their return to normal life.
Security sources said more than 30 detention cases have so far been reviewed under the initiative, with compensation exceeding N300 million paid to individuals whose detention was found to be unjustified.
Among the cases cited was that of Sunday Ifedi, who was released in December 2025 after the DSS cleared him of alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He later received N10 million in compensation.
The Service is also said to be supporting the reconstruction of a restaurant in memory of Ifedi’s late wife, Calista, who died while in detention after investigations concluded that the allegations leading to the couple’s arrest were unfounded.
Security sources further identified Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, who reportedly received N10 million in compensation, and Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, who was released after investigators found no evidence linking him to IPOB. Five other former detainees cleared during the review were each awarded N2 million to assist with their reintegration.
Last month, another beneficiary, Ya’u Mohammed from Yobe State, was released after investigators determined that he had no connection to terrorism. He also received N2 million in financial assistance.
According to the sources, the ongoing review reflects a shift within Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency toward addressing cases of wrongful detention while maintaining its counterterrorism responsibilities.
The DSS has not publicly disclosed how many additional cases remain under review.
